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For more than a quarter of a century, Conner Prairie has been transformed into a live-action version of The Legend of Sleepy Hollow each October, with nightly appearances by the Headless Horseman (in addition to other Halloween-themed activities). The moonlight “haunted” hayrides are always a sell out on the weekends. Go during the week if you can.
Set in the 1880s, Conner Prairie is an outdoor history museum and an Indiana tradition. With volunteers dressed in period-costume year round you are able to experience every aspect of the way of life - from blacksmithing to cooking, games and schooling, farming and church. Start at the modern museum learning about the science and anthropological history, then head to the living history museum featuring authentic buildings from the 1880s. In the summer the grounds feature 'Symphony on the Prairie' where one can picnic in the evening and enjoy live classical and pops performances. Halloween features haunted hay rides and the Holiday season includes dinners, candlelight tours and other celebrations. Restaurants on hand and a gift shop too. Parking is free. Kids can go to a prairie school, train for the militia or talk to the town doctor about “modern” cures. The 1859 balloon flight experience, based on the Lafayette (Indiana) launch of John Wise’s “flying machine," is open, check the website to see if the balloon is flying on the day that you visit. The 1863 Civil War Journey tells the story of Morgan's Raid in Dupont with interpreters, videos, and more.